Trailer with side wall having laminate panel

ABSTRACT

A cargo trailer includes a floor and a side wall extending vertically upward from a side edge of the floor. The side wall includes at least one vertical post. A pair of adjacent liner panels, formed from a tough material attached to a stiff backer, attach to the post.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] A wide variety trailers are known for carrying cargo. Forexample, van type trailers typically include a deck assembly supportedby a side wall structure, wheels and front legs. The deck assembly mayinclude longitudinal floor boards and transverse cross-members, such asI-beams, extending between opposing bottom rails. The deck transfers itsload to the bottom rails, wheels, and, depending upon whether or not thetrailer is coupled to a tractor or is free-standing, to a tractor fifthwheel or to retractable front legs on the trailer.

[0002] In a monocoque type trailer, individual interior side wall panelmembers and an outer skin are joined together, often by a post, channelor zee-shaped structural member, and to a suspension subframe to form aself-supporting body construction. The outer skin and inner panelmembers may carry some of the stresses between the posts, floor and roofof the trailer. For example, it is known for the interior panels and theouter skin to attach to a plurality of vertical posts spaced apart alongthe trailer side wall. Referring to the cross-sectional view of a priorart vertical post shown in FIG. 1, a vertical post 1 includes alongitudinal central section 2 and a pair of first longitudinal flanges3 disposed on either side of central section 2 and recessed from centralsection 2 between the central section and an outer skin 4. The outerskin is fastened to a pair of second longitudinal flanges 5 by anysuitable means, such as rivets (not shown). Side wall liner panels 6 areattached to the posts at first longitudinal flanges 3 by tapit pins 7,screws or other suitable means.

[0003] It is known to include a scuff band along the interior surface ofa trailer wall to prevent damage to the wall when cargo is loaded intoor removed from the trailer. If provided, the protective scuff bandgenerally protrudes into an otherwise useable storage area within thetrailer.

[0004] Most side wall liner panels may be generally classified as beingeither stiff or flexible. Stiff panels, for example made of 0.25″plywood, resist deflection. Thus, although such a panel may be subjectto damage itself, it tends to protect the outer skin from dents from theinside. Flexible panels, for example made of fiber reinforced plastic(“FRP”), glass reinforced plastic (“GRP”) or other polymer sheet or0.019″-0.027″ steel sheet, deflects easily from interior impacts andtends to snap back into its original condition. It therefore tends toavoid damage, although it may more easily transmit an impact outward tothe aluminum outer skin.

[0005] A laminate inner panel material sold under the name KEMPLY isformed of a thin, fiber reinforced plastic facer bonded to a thicker,more rigid, plywood substrate, or “backer.” The FRP facer and plywoodbacker extend over the panel's entire area, from side to side and top tobottom. The facer and backer end at the same edge at the vertical postsand are attached to the posts directly through the facer and backer.

[0006] A panel generically known as “plymetal” includes steel and/oraluminum facers bonded to both sides of a thick, e.g. greater than0.75″, plywood core. Plymetal panels are used for trailer rear doors dueto their stiffness, strength and durability.

[0007] Composite trailers differ from sheet and post constructions inthat composite trailers typically do not have a separate liner panelcovering the interior side wall surface. Instead, a single panel definesboth the interior and exterior surfaces. It is known, for example, toform composite panels from FRP or steel facers bonded to both sides of aplywood, plastic or polyurethane foam core. A plurality of adjacentpanels attached to each other at their side edges and extending down thetrailer's side forms the side wall. Other constructions are also known,for example trailers having side walls formed of unitary metal orunitary plywood coated on either side with fiberglass and glass.

[0008] The present invention recognizes and addresses the foregoingconsiderations, and others, of prior art construction and methods.Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide animproved trailer.

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or moreembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,including the best mode thereof directed to one of ordinary skill in theart, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to theappended drawings, in which:

[0011]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art side wall andpost;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a trailer constructed inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a recessed post that maybe used in the trailer shown in FIG. 2;

[0014]FIG. 4 is a rear cross-sectional view of a floor and side wall ofthe trailer of FIG. 2;

[0015]FIG. 5 is a partial plan view of a side wall construction of thetrailer of FIG. 2;

[0016]FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a side wallconstructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a side wallconstructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a liner panelconstructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a liner panelconstructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 10 is a rear plan view of a side wall liner panel accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 11 is a front plan view of the side wall liner panel of FIG.10;

[0022]FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of a side wall linerpanel constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0023]FIG. 13 is a rear plan view of a side wall liner panel accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 14 is a front plan view of the side wall liner panel of FIG.13;

[0025]FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of a side wall linerpanel constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0026]FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of a side wall linerpanel constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0027]FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of a side wall linerpanel constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0028]FIG. 18 is a partial plan view of a side wall constructed inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of a side wallconstructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of a side wallconstructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of a side wallconstructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;and

[0032]FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of a side wall linerpanel constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0033] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specificationand drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features orelements of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferredembodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which areillustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided byway of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. Infact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modificationsand variations can be made in the present invention without departingfrom the scope or spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated ordescribed as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment toyield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the presentinvention covers such modifications and variations as come within thescope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0035]FIG. 2 illustrates a trailer 10 including a floor 20, two sidewalls 30 and 31, and a roof 40. Side walls 30 and 31 are identicallyconstructed. Roof 40 is attached to side walls 30 and 31 by top rails42, and each side wall 30 and 31 is connected to floor 20 by a bottomrail 22, only one of which is shown in FIG. 2. Trailer 10 includesretractable legs 11, a forward end wall 12 and a rearward end frame 13.Once assembled, roof 40, floor 20 and side walls 30 and 31 form atrailer having a generally rectangular cross-section. The distancebetween the inner surfaces of each side wall 30 and 31 is generallygreater than 90 inches, and the distance between the outer surfaces ofeach side wall 30 and 31 is generally less than 110 inches. A pair ofdoors 14 at the rearward end of trailer 10 are pivotally connected torear end frame 13. A plurality of wheels 15 support the rearward end oftrailer 10 and facilitate movement of trailer 10 when coupled to atractor (not shown).

[0036] Side walls 30 and 31 include a plurality of vertical posts 50, aplurality of interior side wall liner panels 33 and one or more scuffbands 70. The liner panels interconnect the posts, and the scuff band isreceived within a recessed portion, shown in FIG. 3, at the bottomportion of each post. Each post 50 includes a longitudinal front face 51containing a series of apertures 52 for receipt of cargo straps and thelike to secure the trailer contents. In other embodiments, for exampleas shown in FIG. 6, liner panels 33 may completely cover posts 50 sothat the liner panels form the side wall's inner surface without thepost faces.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary post 50 includes a recessedlower portion 53 defined in front face 51. Stepped-down pairs oflongitudinal flanges 54 and 55 extend out from opposite sides of frontface 51 to outer edges 56 and 57 and are parallel to each other and tofront face 51. Flanges 54 are recessed approximately one-quarter of aninch from front post face 51 and are connected to front face 51 bylateral edges 58. Flanges 54 and 55 are generally parallel to front face51. Each flange 55 extends continuously along the length of post 50. Incontrast, flanges 54 are parallel to surface 51 and flanges 55 onlyabove a transition section 59. Below transition section 59, flanges 54bend outward away from the plane defined by front post face 51, allowingportion 53 to recess to a position approximately coplanar with theinward surface of flanges 54 above the transition section.

[0038] Because flanges 55 maintain their positions across transitionsection 59, the movement of front face 51 inward to form recessedportion 53 pivots flanges 54, thereby forming a pair of angled surfaces60. Edges 58 and post edges 56/57 remain straight and parallel to eachother, and the indention of recessed portion 53 does not expand thewidth of post 50. Outer skin 21 (FIG. 2) may be attached to post 50along the post's entire length on the rear side of flanges 55, and thepost may be attached both to the trailer's top and bottom rails, alsoalong the rear face of flanges 55, at 61. Vertical posts 50 are fastenedto the top rails 42 (FIG. 2) and bottom rails 22 of both side walls bysuitable means such as rivets, screws or the like. Thus, panels 33 aresecured to top rail 42 by their connection to posts 50. The portion oftop rail 42 to which posts 50 are fastened extends behind panels 33.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 4, floor 20 includes two longitudinallyoriented zee-shaped members 24, only one of which is shown, betweenbottom rail 22 and longitudinally oriented wooden floor planks 26.Zee-shaped members 24 and floor planks 26 sit on a plurality oftransverse I-beams 28. Each I-beam 28 includes end plates 29 fastened toa bottom portion of bottom rails 22 using screws, bolts, rivets, or thelike. Wooden planks 26 may be held between opposing zee-shaped members24 by friction, or the planks may be bolted or otherwise fastened toI-beams 28 and/or zee-shaped members 24. Zee-shaped members 24 may beintermittently attached to bottom rails 22, I-beams 28, and/or planks26. Outer skin 21 is riveted to vertical posts 50, and posts 50 areriveted to bottom rail 22 and top rail 42, as shown at 19 in FIG. 4.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, outer skin 21 is connected to toprail 42, bottom rail 22, end wall 12 and end frame 13. It should beunderstood that outer skin 21 may be formed from any tough material, forexample steel, aluminum, fiberglass, thermoplastic or other suitablepolymer. In the preferred embodiment, outer skin 21 is constructed of asingle unitary sheet of “nominal” 050 aluminum, having a thickness ofapproximately 0.047″, and is fastened to vertical posts 50 by rivets orother suitable means.

[0041] As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, scuff band 70 is of agenerally corrugated metal construction. However, scuff band 70 may beconstructed of any suitable material, for example wood, with or withouta protective metal plate attached, or a non-corrugated metal. In thepreferred embodiment, scuff band 70 is formed from three-quarter inchlaminated hardwood or sixteen gauge galvanized steel corrugated to aone-quarter inch depth. When received by recessed portion 53, at least aportion of scuff band 70 is disposed outward of post front face 51.

[0042] Scuff band 70 may be almost entirely outward of the trailer'sinterior area so that the front surface of scuff band 70 is parallel topost front face 51 above transition section 59. Returning to FIG. 3,flanges 54 above transition section 59 may receive liner panels 33 (FIG.7) so that liner panels 33, post face 51 and scuff band 70 are coplanar.That is, while there may be slight deviations in the surface, as shouldbe understood in the art, the surface is coplanar from the standpoint ofmaximizing cargo space in trailer 10. For example, post portion 53 maybe recessed by approximately one-quarter inch but receive a half-inchthick scuff band. In this arrangement, only half of scuff band 70 wouldbe outward of the inner side wall. Thus, the front surface 72 of scuffband 70 is inward of the inner side wall, but recessed post 50nevertheless saves a quarter inch at each wall.

[0043] Furthermore, scuff band 70 may be disposed at any suitableposition on walls 30 and 31. For example, scuff band 70 may be disposedat the top, middle and/or and bottom of walls 30 and 31. Moreover, posts50 may be recessed wherever it is desired to place scuff band 70, andposts 50 may be recessed at one or more intermediate points to receiveone or more scuff bands. In one preferred embodiment, the posts are notrecessed. They extend between the floor and roof without recess so thatsurface 51 extends along each post's entire length. The liner panelsattach to either side of a post, as discussed below, and also extendentirely from the floor to the roof. The scuff band runs along the floorover both the posts and the liner panels.

[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 7, wall 30 (and wall 31) is formedfrom multiple liner panels 33, which are fastened to posts 50 at 34 byfasteners such as screws, rivets, tapit pins, etc. Each liner panelincludes a tough facer 35 bonded to a stiff backer 36. As should beunderstood in this art, the facer is “tough” in that it is strong andresilient so that it normally dissipates energy when it deforms (forexample when receiving a blow by a lift truck, hand trucks or fallingcargo during loading or unloading). It is not brittle. In theillustrated embodiments, the facer is formed in a generally planar sheetand may be formed from a variety of suitable materials, for examplesteel, aluminum, and thermoplastics or other polymers as should beunderstood in the art, provided that the material is tough.

[0045] As compared to the facer, the backer is “stiff” in that it issubstantially less ductile than a tough material. It is substantiallyless tough than the facer, although it is not necessarily (and ispreferably not) brittle. It does not deflect as much as the faceragainst lateral blows. That is, it does not deform and then return toits original form in response to an unshielded blow as would the moreresilient facer. As should be understood in this art, toughness is acharacteristic of the material, whereas stiffness is a characteristic ofthe material and its geometry. Thus, depending on the backer'sdimensions, various materials displaying various characteristics may beused, provided the backer exhibits stiffness against forcesperpendicular to its plane. Suitable materials for the backer includewood, oriented strand board (“OSB”), MESONITE, cardboard, STYROFOAM orfiber reinforced polymers.

[0046] Although dimensions may vary, the facer is preferably 0.015″ to0.027″ thick, whereas the backer is preferably 0.18″ to 0.25″ thick.Thus, a less expensive stiff material may be used for the larger backer,while a typically more expensive tough material may be used for thesmaller facer. Regardless of the materials used, however, the backerhelps the facer maintain its form, while the facer protects the backerfrom damage.

[0047] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the backermay be fully or partially omitted in the top half of the side wall. Eachpanel 33 is formed from a 0.019″ thick 80 ksi yield strength galvanizedsteel sheet 35 bonded to a 4.8 mm-thick MERANTI plywood backer 36.Backer 36 is formed from a rectangular piece of plywood 36 a and twoplywood strips 36 b. Steel sheet 35 is approximately 0.019″ thick,24.63″ wide and 96.00″ tall. Rectangular plywood 36 a is bonded to thelower 48.00″ of steel sheet 35 by a urethane adhesive such as a two-partisoset (CX11 and WD3CM402) available from Ashland Specialty Chemical Co.of Columbus, Ohio. It should be understood that other suitable adhesivescould be used and that the facer may be attached to the backer by anysuitable means.

[0048] The backer is 22.63″ wide, leaving approximately 1.00″ of steelwidth overhang 37 on either side of the vertical edges of plywood 36 a.Wood strips 36 b are bonded to the top 48.00″ of steel sheet 35 at theedges of plywood section 36 a such that the same 1.00″ overhang 37 alsooverhangs the outside vertical edges of strips 36 b. Each strip 36 b is2.75″ wide by 48.00″ tall and 4.8 mm thick. Overhang 37 is then foldedover and wrapped around the edges of plywood 36 a and wood strips 36 b,as shown in FIGS. 6-9 so that it covers a perpendicular side edge of thebacker and a portion of the backer's opposite side. It should beunderstood that in other embodiments, more or less than 1.00″ of steelsheet 35 can be left to overhang plywood 36 a and strips 36 b depending,for example, on the method of installation of panels 33 on posts 50, andthat the steel sheet may entirely cover both sides of the backer.Moreover, it should be understood that the panel dimensions arepresented herein for purposes of example only and may be varied assuitable and desired. For example, the overall panel dimensions may varywith trailer design considerations. The facer and backer dimensions mayalso vary, provided those components maintain their respective tough andstiff qualities.

[0049] In a typical trailer, partial plywood backer 36 requiresapproximately ten fewer sheets of plywood than would be needed were afull plywood backer used, translating into a significant weight savings.In trailers, the great majority of liner panel impacts occur at thepanel's lower half. Thus, panels 33 as in FIGS. 10 and 11 save weightwhile providing maximum strength and stability at the high impact area.The reduced weight also eases handling of panels 33 during assembly ofwalls 30 and 31. It should be understood, however, that other trailerdesigns and needs may make it desirable to modify the position of themain plywood section, that it may be desirable to use a full backer, andthat all such constructions are within the scope of the presentinvention.

[0050] Accordingly, in another preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 13and 14, backer 36 extends along the entire length of liner panel 33. Thefacer and backer may be made from the same materials and in the samethicknesses as discussed with respect to FIGS. 10 and 11, and overhangs37 may again wrap around the panel edges.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 15, panels 33 are installed and fastened toposts 50 using fasteners 34. As should be clear from the discussionherein, the panels may attach to various suitable post constructions invarious suitable manners. Thus, the configurations shown in FIG. 15 isfor purposes of explanation only. Since facer 35 wraps around to theopposite side of backer 36, fasteners 34 penetrate the facer, backer 36(whether in a single sheet as in FIGS. 13 and 14 or in multiple sectionsas in FIGS. 10 and 11), and overhang portion 37. The double penetrationof facer 35 creates a better load path through fasteners 34 and helpsthe facer remain flat against backer 36 so that the facer does not frayout at the edges away from wood backer 36 in embodiments where theflexibility of the facer material (e.g. steel) would otherwise make thefacer susceptible to fraying at a flush edge. The liner panel is heldmore securely against the backer and is therefore less susceptible todamage by lift trucks or other loading apparatus.

[0052] In general, the fold-over of the overhang, whether the overhangwraps around to the backer's opposite side or not, protects againstfacer fraying and reduces the likelihood that cargo will snag against acut facer edge and pull the facer away from the backer. This alsoprotects the cargo in that the fold-over provides a more blunt surfacethan a sharp edge and prevents damage that might occur from scrapingagainst a snagged facer.

[0053] In other embodiments, the facer does not wrap around to thebacker's opposite side. Referring to FIG. 16, for example, liner panel33 is received in a side flange of post 50. Facer 35 again extendsbeyond the edge of backer 36, but in this case folds only over thebacker's side edge surface without wrapping around the opposite side.Although not shown, a similar panel is received by the post in theflange on the opposite side of post front face 51.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17, facer 35 may also bend outwardaway from the backer, as opposed to wrapping around the backer'sopposite side. Here, overhang 37 attaches to a side flange of post 50 byscrews 34, thereby securing liner panel 33 to post 50. Although notshown in FIG. 17, a similar panel 33 is attached to the correspondingflange on the opposite side of post 50.

[0055] In addition to wrapping facer 35 around the edges of backer 36,an “L” shaped clamp strip 39 may be installed to protect the edge ofpanel 33, as shown in FIG. 9. Clamp strip 39 may take various shapes,for example that of an “L,” “C,” or “H,” and may be installed along thevertical and/or horizontal edges of panels 33. It may be made in varioussuitable constructions such as 0.050″ thick extruded aluminum or moldedplastic. Such clamp strips may also be used where facer 35 does not wraparound the backer edges, for example where the sheet and the backer cutoff evenly at the same edge surface as shown in FIG. 12, in which a “C”shaped clamp strip is used. Such a panel may be used, for example, atthe rear of the side wall next to the trailer doors, and other linerpanel arrangements as discussed herein may be used forward of the rearpanel. In these embodiments, the clamp strips help secure the faceragainst the backer similarly to the facer wrap-around discussed above.

[0056] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, panel 33 a fastens topost 50 at the recess formed by the stepped-down flange 54 a. The panelis fastened to the flange by multiple fasteners 34 a along the panel'slength. Similarly, an adjacent panel 33 b is fastened by multiplefasteners to the post at the recess formed by stepped-down flange 54 b.In this configuration, the surface of panels 33 a and 33 b and post face51 are coplanar, forming a smooth interior wall in trailer 10 (FIG. 2).This configuration also allows posts 50 to define apertures 52 (FIG. 2)in face 51 so that cargo tie-down straps can be used. Post 50 includestwo additional stepped-down longitudinal flanges 55 a and 55 b that areoffset from flanges 54 a and 54 b and to which outer skin 21 fastens toform the trailer's exterior.

[0057] It should be understood, however, that the present inventionencompasses various post and panel configurations. Referring to FIG. 6,for example, post 50 is hat shaped and includes a front face 51 and twostepped-down longitudinal flanges 54 a and 54 b located on either sideof front face 51. Panels 33 a and 33 b are fastened directly to frontface 51 using multiple fasteners 34 a and 34 b so that the edges ofpanels 33 a and 33 b abut one another. Outer skin 21 is attached to rearsurface of flanges 54 a and 54 b. In this configuration, the surfaces ofsheet 35 a and 35 b on panels 33 a and 33 b are coplanar to each other,forming a smooth interior surface. In this and other arrangements, thepost need not necessarily be a unitary structure. In FIG. 6, forexample, post 50 may comprise separate, adjacent vertical post sectionsso that each of panels 33 a and 33 b attach to a respective section.

[0058] In another example, and referring to FIG. 22, the liner panelbackers are received by a respective side flanges of vertical posts 50.The backers share a common facer 35 so that the facer passes over thefront surface of all vertical posts in the side wall. In construction,the facer sheet may be cut to its desired dimensions so that it extendsthe entire length of the side wall inner surface. The backers are thenbonded to the back side of the facer and spaced apart by intervals equalto the width of the posts. The liner panels are then mounted togetheronto the posts by fasteners 34, and a scuff band may be attached to theliner panels and/or the vertical posts.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 6, it should also be understood that the panelsmay include clamp strips along their vertical edges. For example, an “H”shaped clamp strip may be disposed between the opposing liner paneledges so that the two open ends of the “H” receive the liner paneledges, which abut the center of the “H.” As discussed above with respectto FIGS. 9 and 12, the facer of each liner panel in such an embodimentmay wrap around the liner edges, as shown in FIG. 6, or may stop evenlywith the backer edge, as shown in FIG. 12. Also, it should be understoodin these embodiments that the same clamp strip acts as the clamp foreach adjacent panel.

[0060] The heads of fasteners 34 a and 34 b, in this case screws, mayextend out from this surface as illustrated in FIG. 6 but could also becountersunk into recesses 38 formed in both facer 35 and backer 36 ofliner panels 33 so that the heads are at or below the panel surfaces, asshown in FIG. 8. Each of a plurality of recesses 38 may be formed bycrushing, cutting, milling, drilling or sanding backer 36, or backer 36and facer 35 together, such that the liner's thickness at recess 38 isreduced. Furthermore, the entire length of the panel's vertical edgesmay be recessed by similar means so that other components, such asattaching fasteners or clamp strips (like clamp strip 39 in FIG. 9), maybe mounted flush with the main surface of sheet 35, thereby maintaininga smooth surface on walls 30 and 31.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the backer and facer are attached toeach other, and the recesses or recess line are then formed by a dieset. Because the facer is deformed but not cut at the recess, thefasteners maintain their connection to the facer at the side wall'sinner surface.

[0062] As discussed above, and referring to FIG. 5, vertical posts 50may be recessed at their bottom ends to receive a scuff band 72. Inthese embodiments, liner panels 33 may end at the scuff band's top edge.Alternatively, however, while the backer may end at the scuff band, thefacer may extend beyond the backer edge, and the excess facer may befolded behind the scuff band. In the latter embodiment, the excess facermaterial tends to avoid cargo snags at the interface between the linerand the scuff band.

[0063] In another preferred embodiment as discussed above, verticalposts 50 are not recessed. Here, liner panels 33 may extend from toprail 42 entirely to the trailer floor. Scuff band 72 runs along thetrailer floor over posts 50 and liner panels 33 and is attached to theposts.

[0064] Although the discussion above provides examples in whichrectangular liner panels are vertically oriented, it should also beunderstood that the panels may comprise various shapes and may behorizontally oriented. Referring to FIG. 18, for example, fourhorizontally aligned liner panels 33 are disposed between the trailerfloor and top rail 42. Three logistic tracks 80 run horizontally alongthe trailer side wall and are attached to vertical posts 50 (shown inphantom). Fasteners 34 attach the liner panels and the logistic tracks.

[0065] As in the examples above describing vertically-aligned panels, itshould be understood that various liner panel configurations arepossible, as are various arrangements between adjacent liner panels andbetween liner panels and logistic tracks. Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20,for example, the side wall includes a plurality of vertical posts 50 towhich an outer skin 21 is attached on one side and two horizontallyaligned inner liner panels 33 are attached on the other. A singlelogistic track 80 runs between the two liner panels. At the edges of theliner panels adjacent top and bottom rails 42 and 22, facer 35 on eachpanel folds over the edge of backer 36. In the illustrated embodiment,the overhang does not fold around to the backer's opposite side, but itshould be understood that this may be done. At the panel edges adjacentthe logistic track, the facer overhangs fold outward and are attached tothe logistic track flanges by screws 34.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 21, the horizontal panels may be used without alogistic track. The upper panel's facer overhang folds outward away fromits backer to receive the lower panel. The lower panel facer folds overthe upper edge of its backer but does not wrap around to the oppositeside. A notch formed along the backer's opposite side receives the upperpanel's folded-out overhang. In another embodiment, the second panel isnot notched, and the folded-out portion of the first panel's overhangsimply extends behind the second panel. The upper and lower panels maybe attached to vertical posts 50 by screws (not shown) extending throughthe panels and the posts. In a still further embodiment, a single linerpanel covers the entire trailer side wall inner surface (although itshould be understood that this includes constructions in which the sidewall includes one or more scuff bands) and is attached to a plurality ofvertical or horizontal posts. The single panel includes a backer and afacer as described above, and the facer may overhang the backer alongany of the backer's edges and fold over the edges in any of theconfigurations described herein.

[0067] While one or more preferred embodiments of the invention havebeen described above, it should be understood that any and allequivalent realizations of the present invention are included within thescope and spirit thereof. The embodiments depicted are presented by wayof example only and are not intended as limitations upon the presentinvention. Thus, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill inthis art that the present invention is not limited to these embodimentssince modifications can be made. Therefore it is contemplated that anyand all such embodiments are included in the present invention as mayfall within the literal and equivalent scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cargo transport structure for use with amotorized vehicle so that when transported by the motorized vehicle, thestructure extends from proximate the motorized vehicle and away from themotorized vehicle over at least one pair of wheels, said structurecomprising: a floor; and a side wall extending vertically upward from aside edge of said floor, said side wall having an exterior surface, aplurality of adjacent liner panels inward of and spaced apart from saidexterior surface, wherein each said liner panel has a stiff backer and atough facer attached to an inward side of said backer so that said facerat least partially defines a planar inner surface of said side wall, andsaid facer defines an overhang portion that wraps around a vertical edgeof said backer and covers an edge surface of said backer that isperpendicular to said inner surface, and a plurality of elongatedvertical posts disposed between said liner panels and said exteriorsurface, wherein each said post has a generally planar longitudinalinwardmost surface, wherein each pair of adjacent said liner panels isattached to a respective said vertical post disposed between saidadjacent liner panels so that said liner panels of said pair of adjacentliner panels extend over said inwardmost surface of said respectivevertical post.
 2. The cargo transport structure as in claim 1, whereinliner panels of each said pair of said adjacent liner panels abut eachother.
 3. The cargo transport structure as in claim 1, wherein saidoverhang portion extends beyond said edge surface and wraps around saidedge surface so that said facer covers at least a portion of the side ofsaid backer opposite said inward side.
 4. The cargo transport structureas in claim 3, including, for each liner panel of each said pair ofadjacent liner panels, a plurality of fasteners extending through saidbacker proximate said edge, and through said facer on both sides of saidbacker, and into said respective vertical post so that said fastenerssecure said liner panel to said respective vertical post.
 5. A cargotransport structure for use with a motorized vehicle so that whentransported by the motorized vehicle, the structure extends fromproximate the motorized vehicle and away from the motorized vehicle overat least one pair of wheels, said structure comprising: a floor; and aside wall extending vertically upward from a side edge of said floor,said side wall having an exterior surface, a plurality of adjacentrectangular liner panels inward of and spaced apart from said exteriorsurface, wherein each said liner panel has a stiff backer and a toughfacer attached to an inward side of said backer so that said facer atleast partially defines a planar inner surface of said side wall, andsaid facer defines an overhang portion that wraps around a vertical edgeof said backer and covers an edge surface of said backer that isperpendicular to said inner surface, and a plurality of elongatedvertical posts disposed between and attached to said liner panels andsaid exterior surface, wherein each said post has a generally planarlongitudinal inwardmost surface, wherein each pair of adjacent saidliner panels is attached to a respective said vertical post disposedbetween said adjacent liner panels so that said liner panels of saidpair of adjacent liner panels abut each other and extend over saidinwardmost surface of said respective vertical post.
 6. A cargotransport structure for use with a motorized vehicle so that whentransported by the motorized vehicle, the structure extends fromproximate the motorized vehicle and away from the motorized vehicle overat least one pair of wheels, said structure comprising: a floor; and awall above said floor, said wall having an exterior surface, and a linerpanel inward of and spaced apart from said exterior surface, whereinsaid liner panel has a stiff backer and a tough facer attached to aninward side of said backer so that said facer at least partially definesa planar inner surface of said side wall, and said facer defines anoverhang portion that extends beyond an edge of said backer.
 7. Thecargo transport structure as in claim 6, wherein said overhang portionfolds over said edge of said backer and covers an edge surface of saidbacker that is perpendicular to said inner surface.
 8. The cargotransport structure as in claim 7, wherein said overhang portion ends atsaid edge surface.
 9. The cargo transport structure as in claim 7,wherein said overhang portion extends beyond said edge surface and wrapsaround said edge surface so that said facer covers at least a portion ofthe side of said backer opposite said inward side.
 10. The cargotransport structure as in claim 6, wherein said wall is a side wall. 11.The cargo transport structure as in claim 6, wherein said wall isvertical.
 12. A cargo transport structure for use with a motorizedvehicle so that when transported by the motorized vehicle, the structureextends from proximate the motorized vehicle and away from the motorizedvehicle over at least one pair of wheels, said structure comprising: afloor; and a side wall extending vertically upward from a longitudinaledge of said floor, said side wall having an exterior surface, and aliner panel inward of and spaced apart from said exterior surface,wherein said liner panel has a stiff backer and a tough facer attachedto an inward side of said backer so that said facer at least partiallydefines a planar inner surface of said side wall, and said facer definesan overhang portion that wraps around a vertical edge of said backer andpartially covers an edge surface of said backer that is perpendicular tosaid inner surface.
 13. The cargo transport structure as in claim 12,wherein said side wall includes a plurality of spaced apart verticalposts disposed between said exterior surface and said liner panels andwherein each pair of adjacent liner panels is attached to a respectivesaid vertical post between said adjacent liner panels.
 14. The cargotransport structure as in claim 13, wherein each said vertical postdefines stepped-down flanges on opposite sides of a front face of saidpost, and wherein said adjacent liner panels are attached to saidflanges.
 15. The cargo transport structure as in claim 13, including afastener extending through said facer and said backer proximate saidedge and into said post so that said fastener secures said liner panelto said post, said fastener having a shaft portion and a head portionthat is wider than said shaft portion.
 16. The cargo transport structureas in claim 15, wherein said backer defines an area depressed from saidinward side of said backer, said facer deflects into said area so thatsaid facer and said backer define a recess at said inner surface, andsaid shaft portion extends through said backer and said facer so thatsaid head portion is received in said recess and abuts said facer.
 17. Acargo transport structure for use with a motorized vehicle so that whentransported by the motorized vehicle, the structure extends fromproximate the motorized vehicle and away from the motorized vehicle overat least one pair of wheels, said structure comprising: a floor; and aside wall extending vertically upward from a longitudinal edge of saidfloor, said side wall having an exterior surface, a liner panel inwardof and spaced apart from said exterior surface, wherein said liner panelhas a stiff backer and a tough facer attached to an inward side of saidbacker so that said facer at least partially defines a planar innersurface of said side wall, and said facer defines an overhang portionthat extends beyond an edge of said backer, an elongated post betweenand attached to said exterior surface and said liner panel, and afastener extending through said facer and said backer proximate saidedge and into said post so that said fastener secures said liner panelto said post, said fastener having a shaft portion and a head portionthat is wider than said shaft portion, wherein said backer defines anarea depressed from said inward side of said backer, said facer deflectsinto said area so that said facer and said backer define a recess atsaid inner surface, and said shaft portion extends through said backerand said facer so that said head portion is received in said recess andabuts said facer.
 18. The cargo transport structure as in claim 17,including a plurality of said fasteners.
 19. The cargo transportstructure as in claim 18, wherein said fasteners are attached at aplurality of respective said recesses.
 20. The cargo transport structureas in claim 18, wherein said recess is a continuous elongated recess inwhich said plurality of fasteners are received.
 21. The cargo transportstructure as in claim 17, including a plurality of spaced apart,vertical said posts, wherein each pair of adjacent said liner panels isattached to a respective said vertical post between said adjacent linerpanels.
 22. A cargo transport structure for use with a motorized vehicleso that when transported by the motorized vehicle, the structure extendsfrom proximate the motorized vehicle and away from the motorized vehicleover at least one pair of wheels, said structure comprising: a floor;and a side wall extending vertically upward from a longitudinal edge ofsaid floor, said side wall having an exterior surface, a liner panelinward of and spaced apart from said exterior surface, wherein saidliner panel has a stiff backer and a tough facer attached to an inwardside of said backer so that said facer at least partially defines aplanar inner surface of said side wall, and said facer defines anoverhang portion that extends beyond an edge of said backer, and anelongated post between and attached to said exterior surface and saidliner panel so that said backer abuts said post, wherein fastenersextend through said facer and said backer into said post to secure saidliner panel to said post, and wherein each said fastener has a shaftportion and a head portion that is wider than said shaft portion. 23.The cargo transport structure as in claim 22, wherein said backer andsaid facer define a recess at said inner surface at which said shaftportion extends through said backer and said facer so that said headportion is received in said recess.
 24. The cargo transport structure asin claim 22, wherein said recess comprises a plurality of discreterecesses in which respective said fasteners are received.
 25. The cargotransport structure as in claim 24, wherein said backer defines an areadepressed from said inward side of said backer, and said facer deflectsinto said area so that said facer and said backer define said recess.